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Avian flu contained to one B.C. farm: CFIA

OTTAWA — Officials testing flocks of turkeys within a three-kilometre radius of an Abbotsford, B.C., turkey farm found contaminated with avian influenza this week say there is no evidence that the virus has spread.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says all commercial flocks of turkeys at 23 neighbouring farms in the Vancouver suburb have tested negative for the H5 strain of avian flu.

Testing and monitoring of the farms will continue for a 21-day period. The nearby farms remain under quarantine, the agency said.

Earlier this week, approximately 60,000 birds on the infected farm were killed with carbon dioxide gas. Cleanup crews have begun composting the carcasses at the two barns to ensure the virus is rendered inactive. After seven to 10 days, remains will then be removed from the barn to complete the composting process.